Various reports suggest that Chelsea have agreed a deal with Sunderland that would send midfielder Steve Sidwell to the Stadium of Light on a six-month loan deal. Sidwell's move will not take place until the end of the month, to ensure we have enough cover during the African Cup of Nations. The Blacks supposedly will have an option to buy at the end of the loan. But why not buy now?
Oh, I know why. Because Sidwell's value has plummeted so much that no Premiership team will actually meet Chelsea's evaluation of him at the moment. To say Sidwell, who only just moved this summer from Reading, has failed to impress since moving to London is an understatement. Sure, the expectations were not that high to begin with. And it was always going to be hard to get match time. But when you're only contribution lately is as a time-waster, you know it's time to reevaluate your situation. I, for one, thought Sid might prove a shrew signing -- evidence by the 13 million I spent on him late in my football auction (damn). But I believe Chelsea is a club too far for him. Sunderland, and Roy Keane, should be able to get the most out of him. I wish him the best.